Coming into this season, Swan Valley Stampeders Dane Hirst was a guy who did his job very well on the back end and he tossed in the odd point here and there. Now, the third year Stamp from Lac Du Bonnet isn’t only doing his best job on the back end, but he’s lighting it up offensively as well.
The 19-year-old already has 29 points in 33 games. That's the third most points from a defencemen in the league. The Stampeders are also having their best year ever in Dane’s most productive year ever. With a 24-7-3-2 record, the club is just five points back of the first place Portage Terriers.
“Yeah, we brought in a really good team this year, and we faced quite a bit of adversity right before the season losing Taurean,” said Hirst. “The staff here did a really good job recruiting a great coach and he’s come in and we’re playing some really good hockey. It’s been a solid year.”
Last year in 60 games, Hirst had 17 points. With already 12 more points in 27 fewer games, it just shows how hard Dane worked in the off-season to improve his game offensively.
“Obviously something I stress on is my defensive game because that’s what I need to excel at,” said Hirst. “Once I got that down, I’m just trying to move the puck as quick as I can then I try to join rushes. I had a lot more confidence heading into training camp this year and I think I’ve done a pretty good job of using that confidence to my advantage.”
“I’m definitely happy with my game right now,” said Hirst. “But, I can still get better. I just have to keep working really hard every day.”
Dane’s first chance at picking up point #30 comes up in a few days. Swan Valley begins 2019 on home ice against the Selkirk Steelers on January 5.
“I’m honestly not really worried about putting up points, I just want this team to succeed,” added Hirst. “I mean it’s always on the back of my mind, but I don’t stress about that. If I play how I know I can, the points will come.”
All in all, it’s been a highlight year for the 19-year-old and the rest of the team. “Yeah, it’s been a super exciting time to be a part of this team,” said Hirst of all the success so far.
“My first two years here weren’t bad, but this one is definitely the best and it’s really exciting to fight for first place.”
Swan Valley will play 11 games this month which includes Saturday’s tilt against Selkirk. Five of the 11 games will also come at the Centennial Arena, where the Stamps’ are 14-3 this season.
